North Carolina, Raleigh- According to official statistics, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. Around 53,000 people die each year nationwide from this disease. And many of those deaths are preventable if detected early through colonoscopies, a screening available at [website/phone number/website]. low cost, or free of charge, at various locations in North Carolina.
“The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended “All adults age 45 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer,” he told Enlace Latino NC Kelly Haight Connor, director of communications at the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
The recommendation applies even to people who do not have risk factors. And, as the North Carolina specialist stated, colonoscopies should be repeated every 10 years.
“Although there may be cases where doctors indicate the need for more frequent monitoring,” Haight Connor added. On that note, she suggested consulting with a doctor to determine how often you should be screened for colon cancer.
According to statistics From the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as of 2019, the year with the most recent report, there were 4,284 cases of colon cancer and 1,622 deaths in the state. Among Latinos there were 195 cases and 33 deaths. This is the fourth cancer with the highest incidence in the state.
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Low-cost colonoscopy in North Carolina
Given the crucial importance of having colonoscopies to detect cancer early, there are some alternatives in North Carolina aimed at people who need to pay affordable costs.
“Reduced-cost colonoscopies are often offered through community clinics“NCDHHS sources explained to this medium.
The Health Centers with Federal Qualificationl (FQHC) are one of the alternatives recommended by the NCDHHS. These are clinics that serve clients from Medicaid.
There are also other providers that provide services to people without health insurance. Basically, clinics that are part of safety nets. Such is the case with Project Access, a charitable healthcare resource.
Project Access has different centers in North Carolina:
- Asheville: 304 Summit St, Asheville, NC 28803. Phone: +1 828-274-6989
- Durham: 4206 N Roxboro St STE 100, Durham, NC 27704. Phone: +1 919-213-4077
- Johnston: 514 N. Bright Leaf Blvd. Smithfield, NC 27577. Phone: 919-550-0011
- Harnett: 700 Tilghman Drive, Suite 728 Dunn, NC 28334. Phone: 910-694-0113
Did you know that?
The average price of a colonoscopy in the United States in 2023 is $3,081.
The cost varies depending on several factors, including geographic location, the type of health provider, and the medical coverage the patient has.
Source: Healthline.com and Preciosusa.com
Related: Higher prevalence of cervical cancer in Latina women in North Carolina
Free Colonoscopies
Finally, to find out about free colonoscopies in North Carolina, Haight Connor recommends going to the state's community health centers.
Below you will find a list of community centers with their respective websites, so you can see if the ones closest to you offer stool-based testing or referrals for colonoscopies.
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